Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous In conversation, Cornish-Dale is cocky but likable, with a languorous way of speaking that reminded me of Simon Cowell. Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026 Cord grass ripples across these languorous northern marshes and, while ships lay wounded and stranded in the former Aral, all that remains of the old Parkgate are some very old photographs, showing frigates, sand, and some very fetching Victorian bathing attire. Rob Crossan, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Mar. 2026 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • Opening night on Friday will showcase the Mehura competition, a more languid dance style, with graceful arm movements that have a theme or tell a story.
    Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • Built by Italian yard Benetti and extensively refreshed between 2018 and 2021, the 141-foot yacht combines François Zuretti interiors with generous outdoor spaces designed for languid days in the Balearic sun.
    Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Adjective
  • In Los Angeles, Dees describes the shift as palpable—a welcome resurgence after what had been an otherwise listless start to the year.
    Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Republican pollsters and political groups are raising the alarm that their party faces a listless and demotivated base ahead of November’s midterm elections.
    Liz Goodwin, Washington Post, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Alexander Klose-Mozer, CEO of EuroEV and Managing Director of KM Electron, has been critical of European manufacturers’ lackadaisical approach to cheaper EVs.
    Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • In the interest of not having to rehash the now-familiar back and forth, Ibrahimović stated that Lalas’ criticism of the French squad’s lackadaisical first-half efforts was rooted in ignorance, this despite the fact that his beef should have been directed at match analyst Landon Donovan.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • One way to discourage the habit would be to keep yourself from becoming overly tired.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 30 July 2026
  • Many of those creators can no longer command the same fees from brands, and more often than not their followers are tired of the same old content.
    Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Phoenix Henrichsen, who made his first court appearance with scraggly long hair and looking exhausted, appeared Monday neatly groomed, with his hair pulled back in a bun.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • As hundreds of exhausted migrants head back to Morocco and others vow to stay, residents describe a city upended by clashes, military deployments and a deeply unsettled border.
    Sergio Rodrigo Ruíz, Los Angeles Times, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • My hand instantly went numb, the wrist and fingers falling limp and useless.
    Todd Orr, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026
  • The footage shows the rookie lifeguard, just 16 years old, holding onto a limp child as massive swells repeatedly pound the duo.
    Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • SpaceX employs about 5,000 people directly in the Brownsville region and has transformed a sleepy border area into an aerospace powerhouse.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This week, kids will learn some new dance moves, maybe even find a new favorite sleepy time song.
    Parents, Parents, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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